Opinion: Ask the dog

Just over a year ago, I was walking down the street with our then aging little dog. She was sniffing at the grass and nearby was another dog, ignoring me and ignoring our dog. At 16 years old, our dog wasn’t so much interested in others of her own kind.

The other dog’s owner said: “You’re welcome to pet my dog.”

Interesting, I thought, since the dog seemed to have zero interest in me. The dog was pulling in the other direction, her neck was stiff and tail slightly tucked.

I instantly responded, “No thanks.”

The dog’s handler looked incredulous and walked away in a huff.

Would this dog have bitten me if I acted on her human’s suggestion? I’ll never know for sure, but here are two facts:

• Though it was subtle, this dog was undeniably saying “I don’t want to interact.” I have no idea why, maybe it was the dog’s mealtime, and the dog was pulling in the direction of her house; or maybe she was in pain, or maybe she generally doesn’t like strangers. Even if she didn’t bite, doesn’t a dog have the right to “just say no?”
• The dog’s handler (presumably the owner) had no idea this pup wanted nothing to do with me.

That’s when the epiphany hit me:  We’ve all been taught ask the person with the dog: “Can I pet your dog?” But we’ve never been formally taught to ask the dog. Dogs are always communicating with us. And what the dog says should overrule what any human says.

Yes, veterinary behaviorists and others–including the entire Fear Free initiative–are all about doing a better job of interpreting what dogs are telling us and paying closer attention to their signaling.

But there’s never been an organized initiative to “ask the dog.” Until now! Since most dog bites are inflicted on children, I’ve just authored a children’s book called Ask the Dog in order to address the issue.

Dog bite numbers are on the rise. In 2024, the nonprofit group dogsbite.org reported over 100 fatalities (more than any other year), an approximately 55% increase from 2018 (35 deaths). While there are more dogs and also multi-dog homes in the U.S. than ever before, the number of fatalities far overrepresents in the increase in canine population.

Overall, dog bite numbers are up (data on this varies on the source) and may be as many as 2.8 million, also far overrepresenting the increase in the number of dogs.

While humans bitten by dogs may often suffer psychological trauma, we often forget about the trauma the dog must feel. This is especially true if a member of the family is bitten. From the dog’s perspective, it’s likely there’s been signaling–clear to the dog but unclear to humans, or simply ignored.

Of course, the trauma may also occur if the human animal bond is fractured and the dog lands at an animal shelter, and the likelihood of euthanasia when a dog has a bite history is real.

So what is the role of the veterinary professional in all of this?  For clinics, offering puppy classes (or any dog training classes). How about the idea of offering dog bite prevention classes for kids? This may certainly differentiate you from the clinic down the street.

During exams indicate what the dog may be communicating. For example, that yawn was a sign of stress or raising the paw up may be cute but is also a stress signal. Or that wagging tail can be a sign of nervousness or uncertainty (especially when wagging to the left).

If the mantra that nearly all dog bites are preventable is true, we’re clearly missing something. If we first ask the dog, at least some bites can be prevented. Also, aren’t we at a point we can agree that dogs have the right to consent to be touched?

Repercussions of increased dog bites are significant beyond both physical and psychological.

It’s no surprise that if dog bites are at an all-time high, insurance companies are paying out more money than ever before. Even non-pet owners pay for the shared risk. Dog bites on the rise are one reason insurance company premiums are so outrageously high forcing  some small brick and mortar animal shelters to go under or merge with larger facilities. Also, businesses that allowed dogs may be declined insurance if they continue to do so. Who knows, dog parks could even be threatened. And just when America seemed to be getting dog friendlier.

Also when serious dog bites hit the news, there’s a concern that the notion of breed bans may return.

The American Veterinary Medical Association for decades has done an excellent job (as have others including the American Animal Hospital Association) of promoting dog bite prevention. However, we clearly need to do more. Asking the dog may be a good place to begin.

Photo credit: © stelo via E+/Getty Images Plus

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